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"It will be a matter for the elected politicians in Northern Ireland to make a decision about equal marriage, that's for them to decide, it is not for me to impose, in the same way that it’s not for me to impose the way that super-fast broadband is rolled out across the country. In my own county of Staffordshire it's rolled out by my county council. In Northern Ireland we need it to be rolled out by the Executive."

Campaigners for civil marriage equality in Northern Ireland criticised Mrs Bradley for drawing the comparison and said it was "particularly galling".

The campaigners, from the Love Equality coalition, have renewed their call for an urgent meeting with the new Secretary of State, given the centrality of same-sex marriage to a new round of political talks.

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John O’Doherty of The Rainbow Project said: “I find today’s comments by the Secretary of State absolutely insulting to same sex couples across Northern Ireland currently denied equal treatment under the law. The denial of rights to UK and Irish citizens living in Northern Ireland should not be minimised and it is particularly galling to hear these comments from an MP who purports to support same-sex marriage and equality for LGBT people.

“Despite numerous requests, the previous Secretary of State James Brokenshire failed to meet the Love Equality coalition. We once again urge the Secretary of State to meet with representatives of the campaign so that she can fully understand the hurt, anger and frustration felt by LGBT people, currently treated as second class citizens within Northern Ireland by the UK Government.”